symptoms of gout

What Is Gout?

Gout is a common form of inflammatory arthritis that is very painful.

In inflammatory arthritis Gout is characterized by severe pain, redness, and tenderness in joints.

Pain and inflammation occur when too much uric acid crystallizes and deposits in the joints.
 
Gout usually affects one joint at a time (frequently the big toe joint).
 
Men are three times more likely than women to develop gout. It tends to affect men after age 40 and women after menopause.
 
Gout symptoms can be confused with another type of arthritis called calcium pyrophosphate deposition (CPPD).
 
However, the crystals that irritate the joint in this condition are calcium phosphate crystals, not uric acid. 

Gout Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of gout almost always occur suddenly, and often at night. They include:

Intense joint pain

The pain is likely to be most severe within the first four to 12 hours after it begins.

Lingering discomfort

After the most severe pain subsides, some joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks.

If gout does not remain in remission later attacks are of Gout are likely to last longer and affect more joints.

Inflammation and redness

The affected joint or joints become swollen, tender, warm and red from Gout.

Range of motion

Inflammation from Gout may limit range of motion. 

 

Gout Flares Gout flares usually occur in one joint. They can be triggered by certain foods;

  • Alcohol
  • Certain medications
  • Physical trauma
  • Certain illnesses

Gout flares typically get better over a week or two. 

If gout flares are left untreated, flares may last longer and happen more often.

Some people with gout may be more likely to develop other conditions or complications, especially with the heart and kidneys.

Gout Diet

 Reducing the amount of uric acid levels in the blood can help to prevent gout attacks.

  • Limiting alcohol
  • Avoiding/reducing foods high in purines
  • Drinking plenty of fluid
  • Limiting foods sweetened with fructose
  • Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables
  • Consume low-fat dairy products

What Are Purines?

Purines are substances in animal and plant foods that your body converts to uric acid.

If you are not able to flush the uric acid out through your kidneys, it can build up in the bloodstream and be deposited as needle-shaped crystals in your joints.

These crystals cause the severe inflammation and intense pain of a gout attack.

Gout Treatment

You may to take medications to manage the cause of your gout and treat active gout flares.

Nonprescription Medicines

NSAIDs help reduce pain and swelling in the joints during a gout attack. Ibuprofen and naproxen are two popular medications. 

If you take NSAIDs in the first 24 hours, it can help shorten the attack.

You may reduce the gout pain with ice, rest, and raise the joint.

Gout Prescription Medicines 

Your doctor may recommend one of the following prescription medications:

Changes to your diet and lifestyle may be needed.

Drink lots of water, stay away from sugary drinks, exercise, avoid alcohol especially, beer.